# MQ4/MQ8 U SER 

# M ANUAL

2015.6 

# V 1.0Revision Sheet



## Revision Sheet

Release No. Date Revision Description

Rev. 0 6/8/2015 User’s Manual Table of Contents

Rev. 1

User’s Manual Page i

## USER'S MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

U Page #

1.0 I NTRODUCTION

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 2

1.1 System Overview

................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 3

1.2 Package Includes

................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 3

1.3 Authorized Use Permission

................................ ................................ ................................ .... 3

1.3 .1 Recreational Users

................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 3

1. 3 .2 Business Users

................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 4

1.3 .3 Public Entities

................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 4

1.4 Organization of the Manual

................................ ................................ ................................ ... 4

1.5 Acronyms and Abbreviations

................................ ................................ ................................ . 4

2.0 S PECIFICATIONS

................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 5

2.1 Frame Technical Specifications

................................ ................................ ............................. 6

2.2 Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

................................ ................................ ........................ 6

2.3 Motors

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 6

2.4 Propeller(s)

................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 6

3.0 AIRFRAME

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 7

3.1 Frame

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 8

3.2 Arms and Cam

- Locks

................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 8

3.3 Motors

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 9

3.4 Landing System

................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 9

4 .0 UAS POWER SYSTEM

................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 10

4 .1 Battery Capacity

................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 11

4 .2 Usages

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 11

4 .3 Considerations

................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 12

5 .0 RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM

................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 13

5 .1 Taranis X9D Technical Specifications

................................ ................................ ................. 14

5.1.1 Visual Guide

................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 14

5.1.2 Handling the Antenna

................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 15

5.1.3 Battery and Charger

................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 15

5 .2 U H F Radio Control Module

................................ ................................ ................................ 16

5.2.1 Technical Specifications

................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 16

5.2.2 Power Level Control

................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 16

5.2.3 Radio Licensing

................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 16

5.3 Remote Control Operations

................................ ................................ ................................ . 17

6 .0 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM

................................ ................................ ................................ ... 18

6 .1 Pixhawk Flight Controller Introduction

................................ ................................ ................ 19

6 .2 LED Meanings

................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 20

User’s Manual Page ii6.3 Downloading Pixhawk Software

................................ ................................ .......................... 21

6.4 Installing Pixhawk Software

................................ ................................ ................................ 22

6. 5 Specifications

................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 22

7 .0 PAYLOAD

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 23

7.1 FLIR Tau 2 LWIR Thermal Imaging Camera Cores

................................ ............................ 24

7.2 Sony a6000

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 24

7.3 Canon PowerShot S100

................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 24

8 .0 ASSEMBLY

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 25

8 .1 Assembling the landing gear

................................ ................................ ................................ 26

8 .2 Assembling the motor arms

................................ ................................ ................................ . 26

9.0 GROUND STATION MISSION CONTROL

................................ ................................ ............... 27

9 .1 Mission Planner Overview

................................ ................................ ................................ ... 28

User’s Manual Page iiiMQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE

1MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 1.0 INTRODUCTION

2MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 1.0 INTRODUCTION

Please read this manual carefully before using the product.



## 1.1 System Overview

The SkyView Aerial Solutions MQ4 and MQ8 provide users with a small

- unmanned aircraft system

(sUAS) th at is truly a work of art aesthetically as well as functionally. The frame is a very unique variant

of most common carbon tube typical multi

- rotor frames, with unbelievable features and versatility. The

construction is all metal and carbon leaving no chanc e for fai lure, damage

, or wear in a demanding

professional application. One of the most unique features is how quickly it can be broken down and

reassembled with its quick release cam lock arms. The arms are fully removable versus the traditional

foldable frames and has gold plated self

- aligning power and signal connections. T his feature allows the

sUAS to fit in a compact pelican box! This makes transporting this class multirotor un

- parallel to others.



## 1.2 Package Includes

The MQ4 and MQ8 package(s) inclu de: sUAS frame, UHF Radio Control, 1.2 GHz Video Controller

Receiver, Helical Antenna Ground Station, FPV System Monitor, Flight Control System, Ground Station

System, Camera (camera payloads vary depending on package purchased), Gimbal, and Propulsion

Sys tem.



## 1.3 Authorized Use Permission

On February 15, 2015, the FAA released its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for small, unmanned

aircraft. An NPRM is a public notice issued by law when an independent agency, such as the FAA, wishes

to add, remove o r change a rule or regulation as part of the rulemaking process. It does not change any

existing guidelines, rules, regulations or policy that may be in place. Instead, it opens the door for public

comment and the beginning of the rulemaking process. Until the final rule is implemented, and to learn

more, please continue to check out KnowBeforeYouFly.com and the FAA’s Fact Sheet on UAS. You can

also track furth er developments on the NPRM online . If you have additional questions, please email the

FAA at UAS

- rule@faa.gov.



### 1.3.1 Recreational Users

Currently, sUAS may be operated for hobby and recreational purposes under specific safety guidelines as

established by Congress. Small UAS flown for recreational purposes are typically known as model aircraft.

Under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, recreational UAS must be operated in accordance with several

requirements, including a community

- based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a

nationwide community

- based organization such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Operators

not operating within the safety program of a community

- based organization should follow the FAA’s

guidance

.

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### 1.3.2 Business Users

The FAA currently authorizes the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial or busi ness

purposes on a case

- by

- case basis. You may not fly your UAS for commercial purpose without the express

permission from the FAA. You should check with the FAA for further determination as to what constitutes

a commercial or business use of small UAS.

I f you want to use UAS for a commercial purpose, you have a few options. You can apply for an

exemption from the FAA to operate commercially. You can use UAS with an FAA airworthiness certificate

and operate pursuant to FAA rules. For more information about how to apply for an exemption, visit the

FAA’s “Section 333′′ page.



### 1.3.3 Public Entities

Public entities, which include publically funded universities, law enforcement, fire departments and other

government agencies, may currently apply for a Certificate of Wa iver or Authorization (COA ) from the

FAA in order to use sUAS in public aircraft operations. Visit the FAA website for information on how to

apply for a COA online. For more information about public aircraft operations refer to 49 U.S.C. §§

40102(a)(41), 4 0125, and FAA Advisory Circular 00

- 1.1A, Public Aircraft Operations (Feb. 12, 2014).



## 1. 4 Organization of the Manual

This manual is divided into 14 sections. Sections 2 through 9 review the different systems that make up the

complete sUAS. Sections 10 thro ugh 14 review the general flight, safety, and maintenance operations of the

sUAS product.



## 1. 5 Acronyms and Abbreviations

AMA

- Academy of Model Aeronautics

COA

- Certificate of Waiver or Authorization

ESC

– Electronic Speed Control

FAA

– Federal Aviation Administration

FPV

– First Person View

LOS

– Line of Sight

RC

– Radio Control

NAS

– National Airspace

NPRM

- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

NOTAM

– Notice to Airmen

sUAS

– Small

- Unmanned Aircraft System

UAS

– Unmanned Aircraft System

UAV

– Unmanned Aerial V ehicle

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## 2.0 SPECIFICATIONS

5MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 2.0 SPECIFICATIONS

This section provides a technical overview of the sUAS specification s . Other internal system specifications

are included in their respective manual section (s)

.



## 2.1 Frame Technical Specifi cations

Diagonal wheelbase: 800mm

Arm length: 320mm

Center frame diameter: 240mm

Landing gear size: 420mm (L) * 430mm (W) * 400mm (H)

Center plate: 250mm

Wheelbase : 800mm

Total weight of frame: Approximately 4kg

. Total loading weight: Approximate ly 14kg.

Arms clearly marked clockwise (CW) and counter

- clockwise (CCW)

Mounting brackets and stabilizer.

Secured connections for motors and ESCs.

Quick disconnect design.

Pre

- assembled main body.

PCB with connectors and lock arm joiners.

Built

- in power d istribution board.

Retractable landing gear.



## 2.2 Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

Working Current : 40 Amps

Working Voltage 6

- cell Lithium Polymer (LiPo)

Signal Frequency 30Hz ~ 450Hz

Drive PWM 8KHz



## 2.3 Motor(s)

Stator size 41 x 14 mm

KV 400 rpm/V

Ma ximum Watt 400



## 2.4 Propeller(s)

Material Carbon fiber

Size 15×5.5 inch

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## 3.0 AIRFRAME

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## 3.0 IMAGES

This section provides a visual walkthrough of the sUAS . The logical arrangement of the information shall

enable users to understand the functionality of the system

.



## 3.1 Frame

The construction is all metal and carbon leaving no chance for failure, damage, or wear in a demanding

professional application(s).

The frame contains a built

- in electric distribution board,

completely sold ered reducing the amount of wiring for power

management. Less wires, means less room for failure.



## 3.2 A rms and Cam

- Locks

Modular connections right on the frame and arms allows users to press the connectors together and secure

them with magnetic cam

- locks.

8MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE

The modular arms feature advanced hub connectors that allow easy removal of arms and related

components for transportatio n, storage, and fast exchange between single

- or double

- motor configurations.



## 3.3 Motors

4114 motors at 400KV prov ides long er

flight times and low vibration. Low

vibration motors contribute to aircraft

stability, less operating noise, greater

efficiency, and extended bearings life span.



## 3.4 Landing System

Retracting landing gear removes all obstructions from you r

imaging system.

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## 4.0 UAS POWER SYSTEM

10MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE

The MQ4 and MQ8 uses batteries with a capacity of 8 000mAh, voltage of 22.2 V and charge

- discharge

management functionality. It can only be charged with a compatible LiPo charger capable of 6

- ce ll and

22.2 volts.



## 4.1 Battery Specifications

Capacity: 8000mAh

Voltage: 6S1P / 6 Cell / 22.2v

Discharge: 30C Constant / 40C Burst

Weight: 1220g (including wire, plug & case)

Dimensions: 165x69x52mm

Balance Plug: JST

- XH

Discharge plug: 5.5mm Bullet

- connector (without housing)

Max Charge Rate (C) 5

Length

- A(mm) 165

Height

- B(mm) 69

Width

- C(mm) 52



## 4.2 Usages

To power on t he UAS, fasten 1 battery to each top battery plate as pictured below. Note that if using 2

batteries simultaneously, they must match in battery specifications

.

After securely fastening the batteries to the battery plates, connect the power cables usin g the supplied

serial connector (pictured below) to power on the UAS.

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## 4. 3 Considerations

1. Charge and discharge the ba ttery completely once every 20 charge/discharge cycles. Discharge the

battery until there is less than 8% power or until it can no longer be turned on, then recharge it to

maximum capacity. This power cycling procedure will optimize the battery.

2. For long term storage, place the battery with only a 40~50% charge in a strong battery box.

Discharge and charge the battery once every 3 months to keep it in good condition. Charge amount

should be varied in these maintenance charges

- (40%~50%)

— 0%

— 100%

— (40%~50%).

3. Purchase a new battery after your current battery has been discharged over 300 times. Completely

discharge a battery prior to disposal. Please dispose of batteries properly.

4. Purchase a new battery if your current battery swells up or is damaged in any way

. 5. Never recharge or fly with a battery that is swollen or damaged in any way.

6. Never charge batteries unattended. Always charge batteries on a non

- flammable surface such as

concrete and never near any flammable materials.

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## 5.0 RADIO C ONTROL SYSTEM

13MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE

The MQ4 and MQ8 utilize the Taranis X9D with UHF radio control. The radio controller, UHF module,

and the sUAS are paired before delivery. This section outlines how to operate both for sUAS flight.



## 5.1 Taranis X9D Technical Specifications

Model Name: Taranis X9D

Number of Channels: Up to 16 channels

Operating Voltage Range: 6~15V (2S, 3S Lipos are acceptable)

Operating Current: 260mA maximum (both RF module and backlit are on)

Operating Temperature:

- 10~60 °C

Backlight LCD Screen: 2 12*64, monochrome

Model Memories: 60 (extendible by SD card)

Compatibility: FrSky X series, D series and V8

- II series receivers



### 5.1.1 Visual Guide

14MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



### 5.1.2 Handling the Antenna

Radio control is handled exclusively through the UHF module. However, below are gene ral care guidelines

for the Taranis X9D’s antenna.

1. Do not touch the antenna during flight operation. There is the danger of erroneous operation causing

the sUAS to crash

. 2. Do not carry the transmitter by the antenna or pull the antenna forcefully . There is the danger that the

antenna wire will break and operation will become impossible.



### 5.1.3 Battery and Charger

• Please connect the provided battery in the battery compartment before use.



### • The NiMH battery is for the TARANIS X9D use only.



### • Be sure to use the provi ded battery charger to charge the battery.



### • Be careful not to drop the battery.



### • Don't pull the battery wirings.



### • Never take out the battery from the TARANIS X9D transmitter while the voltage warning is

blinking. Internal settings and memories can be destroy ed.



### • Do not use the transmitter if a “Backup Error” warning occurs.



### • Be sure to turn off the Ta ranis X9D before power charging.



### • The Power Indicator LED will be on during charging, and be off after the charging is finished.

15MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 5.2 UHF Radio Control Module

The MQ4 and MQ8 Radio Controller is equipped with a UHF Module for reliable R/C control uplink for

safe control at longer distances. The UHF module is red ezUHF module attached to the back of the radio

controller.

5.2.1 Technical Specifications

• Reliable FHSS Link (Frequency Hopping, Spread Spectrum)

• 433MHz/70cm Ham band operation

• Options for 431

- 433MHz, 433

- 435MHz, 435

- 437MHz.

• Spectrally clean GFSK modulation

• 600mW (~28dBm) output power, with 200mW low

- power mode

• Power switch, boost power when at long range ( optionally drive from unused control on the R/C

Tx)

• Standard SMA antenna connector, compatibility with 433MHz/70cm Ham

- band antennas

• Flexible buffered, AC

- coupled, PPM input, ensures compatibility with 3.3v thru 9.6v PPM levels

• Standard USB port (Mini

- A) f or firmware upgrades, and system configuration

• Single pushbutton learning of failsafe positions

5.2.2 Power Level Control

The to ggle

- switch on the top of the UHF module is used to switch between high and

low power modes. Even if full feedback of uplink status is available on , it is highly

recommended to fly in low

- power mode most of the time and switching to high

- power

mode if required.

The difference in power levels between the two modes is approximately 6dB, which

corresponds to a factor of 2 in range , ensuring plenty of margin.

5.2.3 Radio Licensing

The UHF control system transmits on radio frequencies which may require a license for use. The default

band used is 433

- 435MHz, which falls in the 70cm Amateur Radio band. Because of this, this product

r equires an Amateur radio (or similar) license to use in most parts of the world.

16MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 5.3 Remote Control Operations

Remote Controller Operation Details

Vertical movements on the left stick control elevation. Push the stick up to

ascened and down to descend. When the stick is centered, the sUAS will hover

in place.

Horizontal movements on the left stick control the rudder. Push left to rotate

counter clock

- wise and right for clockwise. The more the stick is moved, the

faster the sUAS will rotate

.

Vertical movements on the right stick control forward and backward pitch.

Push up to fly forward and down to fly backward. The sUAS will hover in

place if the stick is centered. Push the stick further for a larger pitch angle and

faster flight.

Hor izontal movements on the right stick control left and right pitch. Push left

to fly left and right to fly right. The sUAS will hover in place if the stick is

centered. Push the stick further for a larger pitch angle and faster flight.

17MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 6.0 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM

18MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE

The MQ4 and MQ8 is equipped with the Pixhawk Flight Control System. Pixhawk is an advanced

autopilot system designed by the PX4 open

- hardware project and manufactured by 3D Robotics. It features

advanced processor and senso r technology from ST Microelectronics® and a NuttX real

- time operating

system, delivering incredible performance, flexibility, and reliability for controlling any autonomous

vehicle.



## 6.1 Pixhawk Flight Controller Introduction

The benefits of the Pixhawk s ystem include integrated multithreading, a Unix/Linux

- like programming

environment, completely new autopilot functions such as sophisticated scripting of missions and flight

behavior, and a custom PX4 driver layer ensuring tight timing across all processes . These advanced

capabilities ensure that there are no limitations to your autonomous vehicle. Pixhawk allows existing APM

and PX4 operators to seamlessly transition to this system and lowers the barriers to entry for new users to

participate in the exciti ng world of autonomous vehicles.

19MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 6.2 LED Meanings

20MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 6.3 Downloading Pixhawk Software

21MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 6.4 Installing Pixhawk Softwa re

6.5 Specifications

22MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 7.0 PAYLOAD

23MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE

The MQ4 and MQ8 have multiple payload capabilities available according to customer specifications.

Below are the standard payload configurations.



## 7.1 FLIR Tau 2 L WIR Thermal Imaging Camera Co res

FLIR® Tau® 2 thermal imaging cameras offer an unmatched set of features, making them well

- suited for

demanding applications like Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAVs), thermal weapon sights, and handheld

imagers. Improved electronics now give Tau 2 even m ore capabilities, including radiometry, increased

sensitivity (<30mK), 640/60Hz frame rates, and powerful image processing modes that dramatically

improve detail and contrast. Since the electrical function are common between the Tau 2 640, 336 and 324,

int egrators have direct compatibility between the different camera formats, and Tau camera versions share

many of the same lens options.



## 7.2 Sony a6000

• 24.3 megapixel APS

- C CMOS sensor

• Bionz X image processor

• Hybrid AF system with 25 contrast

- detect and 179 phase

- detect points

• Built

- in flash + Multi

- Interface Shoe

• 11 fps continuous shooting with subject

- tracking

• 3

- inch tilting LCD with 921,600 dots

• OLED electronic viewfinder with 1.44M dots

• Diffraction correction, area

- specific noise reduction, and detail rep roduction technology

• Full HD video recording at 1080/60p and 24p; clean HDMI output

• Wi

- Fi with NFC capability and downloadable apps



## 7.3 Canon Powershot S100

The PowerShot S100 is a sophisticated pocket

- friendly point

- and

- shoot digital camera that has the power

advanced users and enthusiasts need to create standout images. As with other PowerShot cameras, the

compact PowerShot S100 incorporates all of the advanced Canon technologies that make capturing superb

photos and video as easy as pressing a button. Yet, when it's time to get creative, the very same camera in

the hands of a skilled photographer can produce stunning images that would be at home in a gallery. As

automatic or manual as you need it to be, the PowerShot S100 is, at once, a pocket camera an d a serious

photographic tool, impressing even demanding pros. It incorporates the Canon HS SYSTEM, now

featuring the new DIGIC 5 Image Processor for enhanced image quality and amazing low

- light

performance. The fast f/2.0 lens helps you tackle unfavorable lighting and capture breathtaking portraits

with beautiful, shallow depth

- of

- field. 12.1 Megapixels ensure crisp, richly detailed images, and a 5x

Optical Zoom provides an excellent all

- around range to shoot near or far.

24MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 8.0 A SSEMBLY

25MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE

Assembly of the MQ4 and MQ8 frames is quick and easy. Follow the instructions below.



## 8.1 Assembling the landing gear

Begin assembly by placing each landing gear leg into its respective supporting slot located on the botto m of

the main frame. Once inserted, tighten each thumb screw.



## 8.2 Assembling the motor arms

Aft er assembling the landing gear, assemble the arms by locating the corresponding “CW” and CCW”

markings on each red and silver tipped arm. Connect the red and silver tipped arms marked “CW ” and

“CCW” to the corresponding red and silver tipped frame contacts marked “CW” and “CCW” respectively

(see picture below). Repeat the same steps for each arm.

Secure each arm by turning the top and bottom magnetic camlocks until they “c lick” into place. Confirm

proper placement by gently tugging on each arm after “locked” into place.

26MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE



## 9.0 GROUND STATION MISSION CONTROL

27MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE

Mission Planner is a full

- featured ground station application for the Ard uPilot open source autopilot

project. This page contains information on the background of Mission Planner and the organization of this

site.



## 9.1 Mission Planner Overview

Mission Planner is a ground control station for Plane, Copter and Rover. It is compat ible with Windows

only. Mission Planner can be used as a configuration utility or as a dynamic control supplement for your

autonomous vehicle. Here are just a few things you can do with Mission Planner:

• Load the firmware (the software) into the autopilot (APM, PX4...) that controls your vehicle.

• Setup, configure, and tune your vehicle for optimum performance.

• Plan, save and load autonomous missions into you autopilot with simple point

- and

- click way

- point

entry on Google or other maps.

• Download and analyze mi ssion logs created by your autopilot.

• Interface with a PC flight simulator to create a full hardware

- in

- the

- loop UAV simulator.

• With appropriate telemetry hardware you can:

o Monitor your vehicle’s status while in operation.

o Record telemetry logs which conta in much more information the the on

- board autopilot

logs.

o View and analyze the telemetry logs.

o Operate your vehicle in FPV (first person view)

All of these and many more features are covered in this section of Planner.ardupilot.com: the community

document ation project for Mission Planner. A complete guide to Mission Planner can be found at the

following URL: http://planner.ardupilot.com/

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